Animal Welfare and Human Welfare: How do they relate?

     Studies are showing that the well-being of humans are directly correlated with the well-being of animals in their area. For example, here in Manorville, animal neglect and abuse is scarce. We are a middle to upper middle class community and therefore, are content with our lives and are able to take care of our pets. But in a poorer community, it has been found that due to the unhappiness with their economic standing, or other factors, people tend to take out their frustrations on their animals. And this is never acceptable. This neglect of animals hints at other crimes:

"Neglect of an animal is often associated with neglect of a child, elder or dependent."

-Animal Legal Defense Fund 

    Not only does caring for abused, neglected, homeless, and stray animals help one's conscience, but it stimulates the economy. Areas of omnipresent poverty lead to areas of homeless animal populations, which then create a need for animal shelters. And who will work in these animal shelters? Those in need of income. Hiring employees for animal shelters will not only improve the conditions of the animals, but the conditions of the humans as well, as they will be earning income for themselves. 
   And to those who say these stray animals are "just dogs" or "just cats" and "who cares", that thought should escape your mind. There are countless animal rights organizations that believe that animals deserve rights just the same as you and I do.

Social services are usually thought of as pertaining to humans only. But investing in services to those in need can also help animals. Coupling such targeted programs with more investment in at-risk animals could help solve many problems in the inner city.

-David Vognar:  Literacy Aide, Jane Addams Hull House Association 

Here are a few links to organizations that help homeless animals:

Best Friends Animal Society:

http://bestfriends.org/Our-No-Kill-Mission/

Pets of the Homeless:

http://www.petsofthehomeless.org/you-can-help

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

https://www.aspca.org/

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals:

http://www.peta.org/

Helping out homeless animals does not always have to be monetarily, you can donate your time, or just educate people on the growing problem.